Cupid’s favorite holiday is almost here. That means it’s time to stock up on chocolates to give your favorite valentine, pick out that showstopper of an outfit, and make plans with the people you adore most—whether that means having coffee with your office crush, spending a romantic evening with your spouse, or getting together with your best girls. No matter what you have planned for this Valentine’s Day, one thing is for sure: these three makeup looks will have you looking fierce.
Casual Day Date
For a lunchtime foray or afternoon coffee date with your valentine, opt for a makeup look that’s equal parts sweet and sexy. Cosmopolitan suggests giving your eyelids a break and bringing the attention down to your bottom lash line instead. Run metallic shadow under your lower lashes (a pink hue makes for a pretty nod to the holiday) then blend it out for a soft, daytime smoke. Finish with a bit of liner, mascara, and a swipe of your favorite lip color.
Romantic Evening Out
While Valentine’s Day makeup has certainly seen its fair share of red lips over the years, there’s never been one like this. Red, yes, but—more importantly—oh-so glittery. To create a sparkly pout, first line and fill in lips with a deep red (this video from The Scene recommends Panoramic Long Wear Lip Liner in Icon from Hourglass Cosmetics) then apply a matte red lipstick. Next, swipe lips with a clear gloss and carefully dab on a fine red makeup glitter. Clean up any fallen glitter with tape. To ensure your lips stand out, keep the rest of your look subtle—a classic winged liner and mascara combination is all you need.
Get-Together with the Girls
There’s no doubt that the classic smoky eye is a staple of any good beauty routine, but Harper’s Bazaar points out that some nights call for a statement less serious than a full-on smoky eye. A V-Day hang out with your best friends is definitely one of those occasions. Instead of the usual inky hue, try a rich, copper shadow instead. Not only is the mellow metallic universally flattering, it’s also way more forgiving (read: smudge-proof) than darker shades. Rim your eyes in black or charcoal liner to anchor the look, add a touch of blush or bronzer to cheekbones, and you’re all set.